PERMANENT Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Labour (MoL) Mae Thomas has resigned from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s Central Committee even as she has maintained her innocence amidst corruption allegations.
This is according to the Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference on Thursday at the Office of the President (OP).
“Mae has subsequently sent me a letter, as General Secretary of the party, tendering her resignation from the central committee of the party. She’s indicated that she does not want to bring the party into disrepute,” he said while explaining that Thomas insists that she is innocent.
Dr. Jagdeo called Thomas “a hard worker”, and expressed his regret that she has had to resign.
In a release on Tuesday, the Government of Guyana said it has taken careful note of the statement issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, informing them of three Guyanese nationals and entities being sanctioned by the Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
“The Government of Guyana takes very seriously the claims contained in the press release, and will continue to engage relevant United States entities on these matters. In the meantime, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Thomas has been sent on leave with immediate effect,” the release said, adding:
“The Government of Guyana will continue to work with the United States government on all matters of mutual interest, including the respect for the rule of law and order.”
On Tuesday, the OFAC sanctioned father and son, Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed, respectively, their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, and PS Thomas, for their alleged roles in public corruption.
Additionally, OFAC designated two other entities, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team, for being owned or controlled by Mohamed’s Enterprise and the son, respectively. As a result of the allegations, the GoG said that the Ministry of Finance and relevant statutory agencies including the Guyana Revenue Authority, will be requesting additional information on the matters highlighted, with a view to aiding local law enforcement agencies.
In the meantime, PS Thomas has been sent on leave with immediate effect.
According to OFAC, Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise have engaged in extensive bribery schemes involving government officials in Guyana such as providing direct and recurring bribery payments to officials to ensure favorable treatment in criminal or civil matters that would otherwise suggest their involvement in illegal criminal activity.
“In return, corrupt officials receive cash and gifts for incidents that are overlooked. Additionally, Mohamed’s Enterprise has paid bribes to corrupt Guyanese government officials to facilitate the award of government contracts,” the statement read.
PS Thomas, who previously served at the Ministry of Home Affairs was included in the statement.
